The French and Indian War (part 3).

Physical Map of the World. Source: CIA, 2004.

Geopolitics at the present, is a very complex matter, without any doubt. Sometimes, the international equilibrium may seem more and more fragile. Nonetheless, this troubled present, for sure is the result of centuries of learning. Among several factors, diplomacy has played one of the most important role, along history. To find good allies in the right moment, often has been the difference between a victory, or annihilation. There have been many reasons for establishing alliances… from economics, to family ties; even for revenge! One thing is clear: not always it was for noble causes, sometimes very dark alliances have occurred.

The formula: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend…” may often work properly, in the short term. But the facts have finally shown that such alliances may result volatile and even dangerous.

Unveiling of the Statue of Liberty.

By Edward Moran. Source: Museum of New York City.

As another remarkable point, some nations which are now the best allies and friends, fought fiercely not so long ago. The historical processes are very dynamic, there is no question about it. Hence, is important to adapt to the current situations… to the regional and global reality. The most convenient is to let heal so many wounds from the wars of the past. Otherwise, to stay tied to that past, holding anger, always produce more harm at the end, instead of solving anything.

The French and Indian War, and the Independence War of the United States, which came next, are good examples of the instability in politics and military alliances. Then, nobody could foresee that today’s ally would turn into tomorrow’s enemy. For sure, it was the result of the intricate political rivalries, of the struggling imperial interests. But, those conflicts, in which almost everyone seemed to lose, gave birth to a great nation.

                                      The terrible start.

The expedition of Braddock to Fort Duquesne, at the Ohio territory, was hard from the very beginning. They carried a heavy military equipment, crossing a rough land. So the general decided to split his force. He would advance quicker with one thousand and two hundred men; among them, was George Washington and his militia from Virginia. The rest, would join them later on.

Monongahela Battle. By: Northrop, Henry Davenport, 1901.

Philadelphia, National pub. Co.

As they got to the Monongahela river, captain De Beaujeu, went to face them. In front of five hundred French and Indian Allies, simulated a frontal attack against the British. Braddock swallowed the bait and set his lines the same as if they were on an European battlefield. But the French very soon disappeared into the dense forest. The red coat soldiers began to be riddled, by an almost invisible foe. But their order was to hold on. The stubborn general, refused to change his strategy… till he was fatally wounded. In the middle of a chaotic retreat, Washington emerged as an improvised leader! They left behind, almost nine hundred men, between dead and wounded. General Edward Braddock died a few days later. By the French side, the casualties were only near sixty men (among them, Captain De Beaujeu).

Braddock´s Defeat. Source: www.americanrevolution.com PD-US 

Luckily for the British, the winners did not persecute them after the battle. Maybe their scarce number did not permit a further attack. Was evident that the territories France tried to control, were too big for the forces they counted on. In regard to the Indians, they were also not interested in going after the defeated enemy. It was not among their war habits. After a victory, they used to do a sort of ritual celebration… they scalped the dead persons, and took their belongings. It was normal for them, as a kind of reward for their bravery.

 

Marquis de Vaudreuil. Governor of New France.

Painting attributed to Donatien Nonotte ca. 1754

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On the following months after that loss, the life at the frontier lands became worse than hell. Many settlers (no matter sex or age), were murdered or abducted by the Redskin Indians. In those days, the governor of New France, Vaudreuil, in a very unscrupulous manner, recognized the use of the fear the vandalic attacks produced... as a valid war strategy! Thus, by the end of the year of 1755, the British colonies were facing a very dark scenery.

Operations Map, French and Indian. 

Source: Harper´s Encyclopedia of U.S. History, 1905.
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To achieve the control of the fortresses became the main priority for both rivals, on the next two years. The strip of territory between the Ohio River confluence, and the Erie, Ontario, George and Champlain lakes, was of vital importance. If France lost one of the principal forts on that zone, the chain which connected from Quebec to the Gulf of México would break. Also, we must emphasize that the harsh weather obliged to stop almost all the war activity in winter. So it was necessary to plan the campaigns for March to October, every year.

Fort William Henry-Lake George. By: Philip John Bainbridge, 1839.

Source: collectionscanada.gc.ca  {{PD-US}}

In 1755, the morale on the British side was very weak. They even celebrated as a victory, a battle of unclear result, as it happened with the Lake George Battle. But it was not all bad news for them, the taking of Fort Beauséjour, turned out to be very important. As they controlled the Acadia peninsula (New Scotland), they had cut off the land communication to the Fortress of Louisburg. Unfortunately, then occurred a rebellion of some groups of French-Acadian settlers. Those people suffered abuses and violence, and many of them were deported. The Cajun ethnic group, had its origin on those deportations.

Fort Beauséjour, 1755. By Captain Hamilton. Source: Nova Scotia Archives. {{PD-US}}

From those events, it is possible to think that the British Crown was trying to win the war at the lower possible cost. Only by pushing, to maintain the enemy into their original boundaries. However, they already had plans to send their mighty navy, to control the Saint Lawrence River entrance. In that way, they would isolate New France and its capital, Quebec, till they surrendered… a true checkmate! But, to accomplish that, it was necessary to take on the Louisburg fortress, once more.

Quebec in 1700. Engraving (anonymous). 

Source: fr.wikipedia. Lic. CC BY-SA 2.0 Ca

FrIn the year of 1756, the situation in North America still was very worrying for the British. But a conflict unleashed in Europe, it was The Seven Years’ War. France and Great Britain, officially were in war, at last! From that moment on, the French had to concentrate most of their forces, at their disposal in Europe. Besides, as incredible as it may seem, many persons in that country, thought that was no big deal the stake they were gambling in those far territories. Meanwhile, the British made an alliance with Prussia. They had the most powerful land army in Europe, by those days. It gave the British a free hand to act in America.

Frederick II of Prussia. Batalla de Zorndorf, 1758. By Carl Röchling, 1904.

Nonetheless, on the other side of the Atlantic, the spring of 1756, brought good auguries to the French. They had a string of victories. Though not decisive, it permitted them to exert a growing control over the disputed territories. Sometimes, they even beat hard, as they did at Fort Bull. It was a small garrison, to the northeast of the Ontario Lake. But there, they seized an important storage of powder and ammunition. Sadly, they slaughtered most of the fort defenders. It was a part of the terror strategy, to drive away the new colonists, from the frontier lands.

Marquis de Montcalm. By Theophile Hamel, copied in 1865. 

Canadian House of Commons Heritage Collection. {{PD-US}}

On the same year, before the war burst in Europe, the good news for the French side continued. They received reinforcements of regular troops, under command of Marquis Louis Joseph de Montcalm. He would write his name in history for his role in that war. The Marquis was an excellent military, provided with a high courage and chivalry. But, between him and the governor Vaudreuil, there always were insurmountable disagreements. In the end, it all was definitely disastrous for the French cause.

Fort Oswego. Source: University of Montreal. Archive División.

In August, Montcalm besieged and easily took on Fort Oswego, at the southeastern shore of the Lake Ontario. It meant a hard setback for the British at the Great Lakes zone. There, this general showed some remarkable aspects from his personality. The accuracy and the strength of his assaults, trying to force the surrender, to save human losses. Also, he soon incorporated the American style of fighting to the European’s. Nonetheless, he despised some of the indian warriors’ habits. That made him not very popular between them.

William Pitt the Elder. By William Hoare, ca. 1754.

National Portrait Gallery, UK.

The high number of losses along three years of combat, had its repercussions at the British Parliament. The designation of William Pitt as War Minister, in 1757, would turn around that sort of events. As it many times had happened in history, the man for the circumstances, appeared in the right moment. He understood the exact value of the overseas wars. It was necessary to name capable officers for the command. About the war in Europe, he contributed with financial support for the Prussian army… it was all they needed.

In relation to the promising and inexpert young man, George Washington, his bad experiences had left him a bitter taste. He dedicated to the politics and also to administrate his thriving farm. But soon, the war forced him to lead again the militias of Virginia, as the strain at the borders was continuously growing! Then came one of the hardest times of his life, as he had to defend more than four hundred miles of borderline, counting on with only a bunch of men. Exhausted and sick, he ended in a pitiable condition! Into that crucible, the predestined man was molded. His moment of triumph, still had to wait a few years more…
 

Washington triumphant.

We will remain as witnesses of this war, which ended spreading through every continent. A conflict that seemed to open the gates to some of the most influential events in human history.